Accounting Professionals Placement Office
Some of the services we provide to help place you in a practical training position in accounting at a U.S. company:
- Assistance with resumé writing and interview preparation
- Posting of resumés on the Accounting Professionals job placement website
- Maintenance of a network of contacts with companies who have hired our students
- Notices of job opportunities that come into our office are broadcast to all candidates
When you have found a prospective employer:
- We offer help to prepare you for the specific job interview.
- Our placement specialists are available to speak to prospective employers and recruiters to answer questions and to help highlight the accounting skills of our students.
- We help evaluate offers including, salary, benefits, etc.
- We assist with your transition into the workplace, including advice on housing and transportation issues.
- When you secure an internship offer, we provide curricular practical training (CPT) work authorization on your I-20 form (visa document).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the University select a student’s U.S. practical training position? The University's placement specialists will provide support and advice. You are encouraged and expected to take initiative in obtaining your practical training job. The University has relationships with many U.S. companies, but you can apply for any accounting training position you desire.
May a student negotiate his own salary? Yes. The University’s job specialists will help ensure that you are properly compensated based on your skills and experience.
How does the University help prepare a student for an internship position? Through a systematic schedule of Career Strategies Workshops and individual meetings, the University provides guidance to ensure your maximum success. Subjects include:
- Creating a highly effective resumé (CV)
- Preparing for successful job interviews
- What positions to apply for
- Optimal job seeking techniques
- Setting a salary target based on your skills and experience
Is a student guaranteed a practical training position? The University is highly motivated to assist you in obtaining a good internship position. However, like any other university, we do not guarantee practical training positions. The reasons for this include: (a) the U.S. economy and job market are subject to change, (b) the student’s English fluency affects placement efforts, (c) students vary in the their ability to promote their competencies. Nevertheless, the US economy is doing well and there are many opportunities for professional accountants.
What are the prospects for getting a good internship position? The US economy is strong and demand for accountants is very good. Students who are diligent and focused on applying for positions should not have much difficulty in finding a good internship position. University counselors are available at every step to provide guidance and support for this process. It normally takes about two months to secure an internship position.
Can a student change employers during their practical training period? It is highly desirable for you to complete your internship with the same employer. However, there may be reasons that require you to change employers. Any change must be approved by the University, which retains the authorization for you to gain practical experience in the USA.
What happens if a student doesn’t get an internship position during the practicum period? Students are given 30 days after their last on-campus class to find an internship position. After that time, they will be expected to pay for housing and meals if they wish to remain at the University.
How does Distance Education (DE) work for this program? During the two years of internship, students complete the remaining academic credits as part-time (evenings and weekends) distance education courses. The courses consist of self-study CMA or CPA preparation reviews — parts of the CMA or CPA exam. The University faculty will provide weekly assignments, monitor and advise students on their progress, and administer periodic examinations. Students who wish to progress at a faster pace may also receive academic credit for passing sections of the CMA or CPA examinations as proof of mastery of the material.
Can a student complete the internship before the normal two-year period? Yes. It is possible. Students must complete both academic requirements and loan repayment obligations. The fastest path to accomplishing this would require that you accelerate loan payments and your pace of study. Probably, the shortest time period that one might be able to achieve these results would be 18 months after completion of on-campus study.